Basic Payment Scheme refunds to be distributed to almost 100,000 Irish farmers

Almost 100,000 farmers across Ireland are due to receive refunds from Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments. 

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, today (June 27) announced the commencement of payments of €15.6 million to approximately 95,000 farmers. 

The money is deducted from 2021 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments in line with EU regulations under the Financial Discipline mechanism. 

Speaking today, Minister McConalogue said, "I am pleased to confirm that these payments are now being reimbursed to eligible farmers. These payments will bring the total paid to Irish farmers under the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme to over €1.18 billion." 

The financial discipline mechanism - part of the annual budgetary procedure of the European Union - involves a monetary deduction (1.65% for the 2021 reduction) from some direct payments for the provision of a financial Crisis Reserve for the European Union. 

The Crisis Reserve is for the provision of additional support for the agricultural sector across the EU in the case of major crises affecting agricultural production or distribution.  

If this Reserve is not activated or fully utilised in the financial year, the unused balance is refunded to farmers in the following financial year.